π Life Timeline
1807
Born in February 23, 1807 AD, Reus, Spain
1807
Born Aug 23, 1807 in Fabra i Quatrom, Catalonia, Spain
1835
a i Quatrom, Catalonia, Spain
1850
spiritual director to Queen Isabel II of Spain in 1850
1849
s of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (Claretians) in 1849
1870
ave seen the Virgin Mary as a child
1870
Died β October 24, 1870 AD, Barcelona, Spain
1950
Canonized β 1950 by Pope Pius XII
β Biography
Born Aug 23, 1807 in Reus, Catalonia, Spain. Ordained priest in 1835. Became a renowned preacherβdelivered over 12,000 sermons in his lifetime. Appointed spiritual director to Queen Isabel II of Spain in 1850. Founded the Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (Claretians) in 1849. Wrote over 80 books, including a popular Bible commentary and catechism. Exiled twice by political upheavals. Traveled extensively preaching missions across Spain, Cuba, and South America. Known for his devotion to the Immaculate Conceptionβhe claimed to have seen the Virgin Mary as a child. Died Oct 24, 1870 in Cuba at age 63. Canonized in 1950 by Pius XII. Patron of writers and journalists.
π‘ Patronage
Patron of: Preachers, missionaries, journalists, and those who use technology for evangelization.
π¬ Words of the Saint
The apostle must be all things to all men.
π Key Facts
Born
February 23, 1807, Reus, Spain
Died
October 24, 1870 AD, Barcelona, Spain
Feast Day
Oct 24
Canonized
1950 by Pope Pius XII
π Legacy
Claret's preaching lantern was a revolutionary evangelization tool β the 19th-century equivalent of a PowerPoint. The Claretians he founded serve in 25+ countries. His 40,000 miles of preaching is legendary.